Edtech Insiders

Send us Fan Mail Chase Rigby is the CEO of Tassel, a platform modernizing graduation experiences for universities worldwide. A former Google PM and Chief Product Officer at Canopy, his career sits at the intersection of education, technology, and product innovation. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:57] Graduation as a growth and marketing moment [00:05:22] Unifying registration, tickets, and stage flow [00:09:17] A student earns $3,500 via digital announcements [00:11:53] Saving thousands of admin hours with AI [00:14:18] The “cap-and-gown cartel” and outdated business models [00:16:56] Better graduation to stronger alumni ties [00:19:29] Disrupting the cap-and-gown model 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Ben Kornell and guest co-host Matt Tower, as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, edtech efficacy, cybersecurity, and the future of work in education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:00:33] Rapid rise of AI-generated “vibe coding” raises concerns about software vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks [00:02:44] ASU+GSV preview highlights the importance of relationships over deal-making at major edtech gatherings [00:08:26] Anthropic’s Mythos model withheld due to its ability to uncover critical security flaws across systems [00:11:37] Growing need for AI systems to defend against AI-driven cybersecurity threats [00:14:18] Schools question edtech effectiveness amid too many tools and limited evidence of impact [00:15:23] Debate over screen time intensifies as some classrooms move toward eliminating devices [00:20:47] Discussion on whether smaller, more personalized school models better serve students [00:26:08] OpenAI faces leadership changes and increasing competition from Anthropic and Google [00:30:30] Big Tech’s varying levels of investment in education reshape the competitive landscape [00:33:25] AI disrupts entry-level job markets, raising concerns about college graduate employment [00:36:12] Future workforce will demand adaptability, entrepreneurship, and continuous learning Plus, special guest: [00:37:34] Yoon Yang, CEO and Co-founder of Pensive, on AI-powered grading and personalized tutoring in higher education 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Send us Fan Mail Brandon Cardet-Hernandez is the Founder and CEO of Medley Learning, a platform building AI-powered scaffolding tools for multilingual learners. A former multilingual learner himself, Brandon has served as a teacher, turnaround principal, Boston School Committee member, NYC education advisor, and edtech leader. His work focuses on closing the access gap, not lowering expectations. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: access gap✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:58] Brandon’s journey and the educators who changed his life [00:10:50] The “ELL trap” and lowering cognitive demand [00:15:11] Student-controlled, embedded scaffolds in real time [00:23:58] Why strong district champions matter for implementation [00:27:24] AI’s promise: turning research into daily practice [00:30:02] The risk of “AI slop” in classrooms [00:31:52] Building AI policy around knowledge not fear 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Magdalena H. Gross of Mercor is a Stanford-trained scholar and a leader in AI education. With a unique ability to understand how people think, she helps experts translate deep human knowledge into AI-ready systems. She designs AI curricula and training programs that empower individuals and organizations, while also leading in community arts and muralism. Learn more about her work at www.magdalenagross.com. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:48] What “human data” really means: experts training AI through deep domain knowledge [00:05:30] From binary labeling to reinforcement learning: how AI training now mirrors human learning [00:07:47] Spiral curriculum at scale: how experts and AI both improve through repetition and complexity [00:10:44] Cognitive modeling: making expert thinking visible to accelerate learning [00:13:28] Breaking down reasoning: categorizing how humans think across domains [00:16:28] Why interdisciplinary thinking drives breakthroughs in humans and AI [00:18:58] The future of human data work: expanding alongside the growth of human knowledge 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Ben Kornell and special co-host Steve Shapiro, Founder of Finetune.AI, as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, workforce disruption, K–12 policy, and the future of higher education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:05:10] NVIDIA signals the shift from AI experimentation to a full-scale platform “land grab” [00:08:19] Early signs of AI-driven productivity gains point to real workforce disruption [00:13:16] Governments invest in AI retraining, labor upskilling, and workforce preparedness [00:15:27] Apprenticeships emerge as a critical pathway as entry-level jobs decline [00:17:17] AI “agent armies” could make one-person businesses more viable than ever [00:19:23] Schools balance AI literacy initiatives with rising pressure for screen bans [00:21:23] Debate grows over big tech’s responsibility in supporting education systems [00:24:14] Media backlash questions edtech’s impact on student learning outcomes [00:28:00] School choice expands rapidly, with mixed impacts across states [00:32:09] ASU highlighted as a leading model for AI-ready higher education [00:34:10] Edtech funding shifts to more deals with smaller check sizes [00:36:01] Startups scale faster with less capital due to AI-powered development [00:37:41] Optimism grows for edtech innovation over the next 12–24 months Plus, special guests: [00:38:59] Aaron Cuny, CEO of AI for Equity, on building AI leadership capacity in school systems [01:06:39] Joshua Broggi, CEO and Founder of Woolf, on rethinking higher education with competency-based models 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized o Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Send us Fan Mail Mindy Sjoblom is the Founder and CEO of OnYourMark, a research-backed virtual tutoring organization serving thousands of elementary students nationwide. Catherine Tierney is Head of Product and Program at OnYourMark, bringing deep experience from Match Education, MyCoach, and ThinkCERCA to the design of human-centered, evidence-based learning technology. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode insight layer✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:38] Mindy Sjoblom on OnYourMark’s origins and scaling high-dosage tutoring post-pandemic [00:05:59] Catherine Tierney on designing AI to strengthen—not replace—human relationships [00:07:36] How RCT evidence and authentic learning data power OnYourMark’s AI tools [00:12:04] Real-time feedback and why tutors want more visibility into their practice [00:15:36] The tension between flexibility and fidelity when scaling tutoring across schools [00:16:21] The future of AI-supported human tutoring and what the next five years may hold [00:19:55] Why AI use in learning must look different for younger vs. older students [00:22:20] What excites—and worries—Mindy and Catherine about AI in education today 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from OpenAI’s push into interactive learning to new research on AI efficacy, growing AI backlash, and rising cybersecurity threats in K–12 schools. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:05:30] OpenAI launches a new suite of 70+ interactive science and math learning experiences built on cognitive science and visual learning principles [00:12:22] Stanford and SCALE release a meta-analysis of 800+ AI education studies finding only 20 with strong causal evidence of learning impact [00:19:44] Growing backlash against AI, screen time, and edtech as public concern rises about technology’s impact on children and learning [00:21:10] Clever report finds more than half of school districts have experienced cyberattacks and 81% believe AI is increasing cybersecurity risk Plus, special guest: [00:29:19] Oliver Page, Co-founder and CEO of CyberNut, on why K–12 schools are uniquely vulnerable to phishing attacks and cyber threats 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Send a text Dr. Rachel Book is an education leader at Lincoln Learning Solutions with over 20 years of experience in early childhood and student development. Charlie Thayer, Chief Academic Officer, brings 15+ years in online and blended learning, specializing in scalable, instructionally sound solutions. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:15] Defining purpose-built AI vs. generic AI in education [00:07:22] Real classroom AI use cases: data insights and teacher support [00:09:48] AI for younger learners: voice, engagement, and curiosity [00:12:20] What school leaders should look for in AI tools [00:14:59] The biggest risks: AI replacing thinking and human interaction [00:18:57] First reactions to Lincoln AI and the “wow” factor in classrooms [00:20:29] How AI dashboards give teachers actionable insights [00:21:50] Expanding teacher capacity through AI-driven visibility 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Send a text Josh Jones is the CEO of QuantHub, an edtech and workforce company advancing data and AI literacy across K–12, higher education, government, and enterprise. A serial entrepreneur and former data science consultant, Josh has spent decades helping organizations adapt to rapid technological change. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] Why QuantHub was built to keep pace with accelerating AI change [00:04:30] The mismatch between slow curriculum cycles and fast-moving AI [00:06:40] Teaching meta-skills like critical thinking, ethics, and change management [00:09:00] Mapping AI and data skills into existing K–12 and higher-ed standards [00:11:45] Why banning ChatGPT creates more problems than it solves [00:13:40] Institutions leading the way on clear, fair AI policies [00:15:40] What schools must rethink to stay relevant over the next decade 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Send a text Dean Celaj is the Founder and CEO of GoTeacher, a platform helping school districts understand, manage, and enforce student data privacy. Previously, he founded Akademi.al, an education platform used by over 90% of students in Albania during COVID, and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:34] Student data privacy is a capacity problem, not a policy problem [00:03:00] Why districts often have DPAs for <10% of the tools students actually use [00:05:56] How AI training on student data creates irreversible privacy risk [00:07:30] Dean’s case for blocking risky AI tools by default in schools [00:11:26] Why “move fast and break things” fails in K–12 edtech [00:14:56] What gives Dean optimism about the future of AI, content, and assessment in education 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Send a text Join Ben Kornell and guest host Matt Tower as they break down the biggest stories shaping K–12 policy, AI in education, edtech funding, and emerging school models. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:55] FBI raids LAUSD headquarters and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s home, raising questions about federal investigations and possible ties to the AllHere scandal [00:06:07] The hosts unpack whether the LAUSD probe is about vendor fraud, immigration tensions, or broader political conflict [00:11:06] A provocative Economist headline fuels growing backlash against edtech and classroom screen time [00:16:44] A deeper debate on what education reformers are actually advocating for beyond simply reducing screens [00:19:49] Alpha School, small school models, and whether test scores have become the gateway to deeper learning innovation [00:24:51] Google commits to training 6 million educators in AI, signaling a major investment in teacher-focused AI literacy [00:29:23] Comparing Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic’s evolving strategies in the education market [00:31:59] NationGraph raises funding in the procurement intelligence space as edtech infrastructure tools expand [00:34:13] Southern states like Louisiana and Mississippi post notable academic gains, prompting questions about policy and funding models Plus, special guest: [00:37:27] Ariella Racco, Founder of CoLab Education, on building dedicated collaboration infrastructure for teachers in the AI era 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Send a text Greg Hart is the CEO of Coursera, bringing 25+ years of leadership and technology innovation from Amazon, where he helped develop Alexa and expand Prime Video globally. At Coursera, he leads the company’s mission to make learning more engaging, skills-focused, and accessible worldwide. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:53] Why Greg joined Coursera: combining mission, growth, and impact for learners. [00:04:14] Lessons from Amazon: using AI and customer focus to enhance learning experiences. [00:07:44] The shift to skills-focused learning: mapping courses to career outcomes. [00:13:06] AI in education: personalized tutors, course builders, and interactive learning. [00:14:08] The power of partnerships: connecting universities, industry, and marketplaces like Udemy. [00:17:56] Skills as the new atomic unit: modular learning for accessibility and relevance. [00:21:23] Key challenges for Coursera: moving fast enough to meet learner and industry needs. [00:24:03] Greg’s advice: be a lifelong learner and continually reinvent yourself. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send a text Join hosts Ben Kornell and guest host Peter Stiepleman, host of The Imperfect Leader, as they explore AI in schools, screen-time policy, math reform, higher ed disruption, and the future of assessment integrity. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Peter Stiepleman on leading with “ed, not tech” when implementing AI in schools [00:06:33] Seattle-area student walkout over ChatGPT access sparks debate on AI in classrooms [00:08:11] 26 states advance phone bans and K–5 screen-time legislation [00:10:59] Khan Academy’s failed India rollout shows implementation, not tools, drives impact [00:16:26] Whether global systems may leapfrog the U.S. in AI-powered education [00:18:38] AI-supported speech therapy and reading intervention free educators for human connection [00:20:55] Utah’s math overhaul ignites debate over data science, calculus acceleration, and rigor [00:27:24] Rural districts innovate through regional collaboration and expanded course access [00:29:14] Higher ed faces declining endowments, enrollment pressure, and early college expansion [00:35:09] Anthropic co-founder argues AI will increase the value of humanities degrees Plus, special guest: [00:39:10] Brandon Smith, CEO of Integrity Advocate, on AI-driven cheating, proctoring reform, and protecting assessment integrity 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send a text Priyank Chodisetti is the Co-founder and CEO of Workback.ai, an AI-powered platform helping edtech organizations achieve accessibility compliance faster and at scale. A repeat founder and former engineering leader at Coursera, Priyank brings firsthand experience navigating the complexity of WCAG standards and ADA requirements. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:28] What ADA Title II covers and why April 2026 is a critical deadline [00:05:22] How non-compliant vendors can put schools and districts at risk [00:08:56] Why accessibility audits traditionally take 11+ months [00:12:28] Using AI to automate audits, remediation, and VPAT reporting [00:18:02] The shift from annual audits to continuous compliance [00:25:04] The human impact of accessibility beyond regulation [00:28:59] How Workback’s free pilot helps teams see value in days [00:32:33] Priyank’s perspective on how generative AI is reshaping edtech 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send a text Dr. Kathy Weston is one of the leading national experts on parenting, family life and parental engagement in children's lives. In 2018, she established Tooled Up Education, a holistic bank of evidence-based resources for whole-school communities. Tooled Up supports 166 schools in 8 countries, delivering bespoke CPD for educators as well as 'on tap' resource support for parents. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨ Episode Highlights [00:00:00] Dr. Weston on why technology shouldn’t be scapegoated in children’s lives [00:02:54] How the pandemic reshaped parent–school relationships [00:07:52] Why parents, not schools alone, do the “heavy lifting” in education [00:09:33] The problem with blanket screen time bans [00:13:23] Real examples of digital tools supporting focus, learning, and wellbeing [00:20:25] Introducing AI-powered support for parents inside Tooled Up Education [00:23:23] Dr. Weston on why AI can reduce educator workload without harming pedagogy 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send a text Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they unpack a fast-moving week in education. From AI-native curriculum battles and literacy leadership shifts to voucher surges and national AI pilots reshaping special education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:48] ASU+GSV preview and the expanding global EdTech ecosystem [00:06:25] The 2026 EdTech AI Map launches with 240+ companies [00:07:14] Brisk introduces AI-powered curriculum integration [00:09:04] The race to own the AI layer in schools [00:13:10] Data ownership becomes the key AI battleground [00:16:59] Kira 2.0 expands into a full AI-native LMS [00:21:16] Texas ESA applications surge past 61,000 [00:30:20] UK launches $23M AI pilot for special needs [00:33:40] Microsoft invests in AI teacher training [00:34:59] Google expands Gemini in education [00:35:57] UX emerges as EdTech’s new advantage [00:36:43] The AI grad profile prioritizes human skills Plus, special guests: [00:38:33] Karl Rectanus, CEO of Really Great Reading, on literacy outcomes, science of reading implementation, and scaling impact [01:02:22] Dan Meyer, VP of User Growth of Amplify on AI skepticism, social AI in math classrooms, and keeping learning human-centered 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text As CEO of ISTE+ASCD, Richard Culatta focuses on shaping innovative learning leaders. He previously served as Rhode Island's Chief Innovation Officer and was appointed by President Obama to lead the US Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology. His book, Digital for Good, helps create conditions for healthy tech use. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨ Episode Highlights [00:03:00] Richard Culatta introduces the Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate—and why none of the skills are technical [00:05:35] Using AI to deepen learning rather than just speed things up [00:07:59] How AI makes long-promised ideas like project-based and personalized learning finally practical [00:10:57] Teaching in a world where questions matter more than answers [00:13:49] Reframing digital citizenship around what students should do—not just what to avoid [00:20:22] Why schools and edtech companies must communicate the why of technology to parents [00:29:25] Culatta’s call to raise the bar on student experience and joy in learning 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin, joined by special co-host Mike Palmer, host of Trending in Ed, as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, K–12 policy, higher education, and the global future of education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:34] SchoolAI study shows teachers using AI for reasoning and inquiry [00:09:58] Denver Public Schools blocks ChatGPT over safety and privacy concerns [00:12:20] SoftBank invests another $30B in OpenAI as ads roll out [00:13:24] Gemini and Anthropic lead the race for AI in education [00:20:36] China launches nationwide AI literacy for K–12 [00:29:58] Most U.S. states still lack formal AI guidance for schools [00:33:13] Phone bans spread rapidly across schools [00:38:44] Higher ed enrollment rebounds but retention remains weak Plus, special guests: [00:45:25] Jeremy Smith, CEO and Co-founder of pega6, on one-year AI-first career accelerators [01:11:29] Stewart Brown, K–12 Computer Science and AI Literacy Leader at Code4kids, on CS as a core elementary subject 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text Shangyup Kim is the CEO of ZEP QUIZ, the metaverse-based gamified K-12 learning platform. Built AI-driven tools that help teachers motivate students at scale and is expanding across Asia and the U.S. As a former ZEPETO leader, focusing on gamification, futuristic change, and education. Formerly built two Series B companies. Jangwoo Bae is the business developer of ZEP QUIZ, a former English teacher and school administrator in Thailand during COVID-19. Recognized the need for educational tools that extend beyond traditional classrooms and the urgent necessity for digital transformation in schools, while preserving the fundamental values of learning. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode multiplayer mechanicsfun and pedagogygame-based assessment toolsreal-time feedback and personalization✨ Episode Highlights [00:03:10] Why learning tools should feel social, not solitary [00:08:45] The design choices behind ZEP QUIZ’s multiplayer experience [00:15:30] What engagement really means from a teacher’s perspective [00:22:10] Scaling ZEP QUIZ globally and adapting to classroom realities [00:29:40] Shangyup and Jangwoo on where AI fits into game-based learning 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text John Gamba is Entrepreneur in Residence at Catalyst @ Penn GSE, where he mentors education entrepreneurs and leads the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition. Over 17 years, the competition has awarded $2M to ventures that have gone on to raise more than $200M in follow-on funding, with a strong focus on equity and research-to-practice impact. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:15] The evolution of the Milken-Penn GSE Competition [00:09:26] From AI pilots to learning-science-driven implementation [00:13:35] Responsible AI and avoiding “AI junk food” in education [00:25:42] Keeping equity at the core of edtech innovation [00:29:44] Measuring real impact beyond capital raised [00:39:54] Why AI benchmarks and standards are the next frontier [00:44:36] How founders can engage with Catalyst and Catapult 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.